A new poll commissioned by think tank Think New Mexico found that 81% of New Mexicans support holding state legislators to a higher ethical standard. The survey, conducted between late July and early August of 800 registered voters, also revealed that only 43% of residents trust lawmakers to do what is right all or most of the time.
Think New Mexico, a nonpartisan think tank, commissioned the poll as part of its push for legislative ethics reforms at the upcoming legislative session. The poll found that 64% of New Mexicans support salaries for lawmakers only if they are required to comply with mandatory ethics reforms. This support was consistent across Democrats, Republicans, and independent voters.
The survey also showed strong public support for lobbyist reform proposals. Three-quarters or more of respondents supported requirements that lobbyists publicly report how much clients pay them, which elected officials are benefiting from a specific lobbyist’s spending, and which bills lobbyists are lobbying for or against. Additionally, 84% of respondents supported requiring lawmakers to publicly report when they have a financial conflict of interest with a particular bill.
Gabe Sanchez, a University of New Mexico political science professor and director of research at the polling firm, described the survey as likely the largest-ever poll of New Mexicans’ views on legislative ethics reform. The firm’s methodology notes that responses were weighted to match the U.S. Census’ New Mexico demographics.
The poll comes as the Legislature undergoes several modernization efforts, including hiring paid district legislative aides and opening district offices. On the Nov. 3 general election ballot, voters will decide whether lawmakers can collect a salary.
